What does OTP mean?
One True Pairing
Detailed Explanation
OTP is an acronym for 'One True Pairing.' In fan culture, this is a fan's absolute favorite fictional couple. It represents the ultimate romantic pairing that a fan is most passionate about and supports above all others. An OTP is a fan's ideal 'ship,' and they will often consume and create a lot of content, like fanfiction and art, centered on them.
Usage Examples
“I don't care if they're not canon, they are my OTP and I will go down with this ship.”
“My OTP from that series is Ron and Hermione.”
“She writes a lot of fanfiction about her OTP.”
Origin & History
The term originated in online fan communities in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly on platforms like LiveJournal and fan forums. It provided fans with a way to express their ultimate preference in the often contentious 'shipping wars' between fans of different pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have more than one OTP?
While the 'One' in OTP implies exclusivity, many fans use the term more loosely to describe their favorite pairing within different books, shows, or movies. So, someone might have an OTP for the Harry Potter series and a different OTP for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.